swelling

1 of 2

noun

swell·​ing ˈswe-liŋ 

1

: something that is swollen

specifically : an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement

2

: the condition of being swollen

swelling

2 of 2

present participle of swell entry 1

Synonyms of swelling

Noun

• lump
• bruise
• bump
• nodule
• node

Examples of swelling in a Sentence

Noun

There was a swelling above her eye.

The swelling around her eye should subside in a few days.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

However, in some people, West Nile virus can cause serious disease-causing inflammation and swelling of the brain. — Karma Sabbah, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026

However, in some individuals, a more serious disease-causing inflammation and swelling of the brain can develop. — Susan Bromley, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2026

The doctor said his colleagues are struggling to treat infected children who often arrive at the hospital with serious complications like pneumonia, diarrhea and encephalitis, or brain swelling. — Julhas Alam, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Garrett, acquired in an offseason trade from Cleveland, had missed over two weeks of practice with knee swelling. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 7 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for swelling

• belling
• celling
• dwelling
• fehling
• felling
• gelling
• pelling
• quelling
• selling
• shelling
• smelling
• spelling

Kids Definition

swelling

noun

swell·​ing

ˈswel-iŋ

1

: something that is swollen

especially : a swollen part of the body

2

: the condition of being swollen

Medical Definition

swelling

noun

swell·​ing ˈswel-iŋ- 

: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement

an inflammatory swelling